I went to Best Buy today to check out the 8X. I have to say that it is an amazing looking phone. The screen is vivid, the colors look great and it feels incredible in your hand. If you think it looks good in the photos that have been posted on the web, you're going to LOVE it in person!

Having said that, I currently have an HD7, so I am used to a 4.3 inch screen. As we know, the 4.3 inch screen of the 8X is a different aspect ratio - it's taller and narrower than the HD7 screen. The problem with that - for me anyway - is that makes the keyboard slightly narrower and everything else (web pages, etc.) are noticeably smaller as well in comparison.

I know - 1st world problems and all that - it's not a huge deal, but it's making me reconsider.

Did you look at the blue? Different reviews say it looks purple. Some say its very blue. What did you think? Did different carriers have different shades?

The blue looks blue, but in comparison to Best Buy blue, it does lean towards the purple side a bit. I'm not sure if it looks any different under natural light. It's great looking though - it really pops!

It's a little purple IMO, but way more stylish than, say, the sort of blue you see in the SkyDrive app.

As for the screen, I had an HD7 before, so I feel your pain. The biggest issue is indeed typing; I keep missing letters - but I am adjusting to it, so it should be a non-issue soon enough.

I was slightly surprised (though I shouldn't have been) when I measured it up against my HD7, and I am in two minds about how I feel. On the one hand, the screen is great, sharp, clear, bright and it is definitely big enough - but on the other hand, if it was bigger I'd have been just as happy :P

I went to AT&T today to try both (admitting to them I'm on verizon). I have to say, I had been all about the lumia before - the internal storage, the screen size, their exclusive apps....

The 8X felt more natural. Coming from iOS devices from the last four years to the 8X was less jarring. The second I held the lumia I was stretching my fingers out, trying to acclimate myself to its dimensions. I didn't dislike it, mind you.

But as soon as I held the 8x, I noticed it's dimensions were much more familiar. It was light, I could do everything with one hand. I saw the California blue model, and will be getting the black model on Verizon.

I don't think it was too narrow, I think the aspect ratio was just fine, but again, I'm coming from iOS.

It is weird how 48 pixels makes such a big difference in how the device feels, but like you I came from a HD7 and I adjusted to the 8X within two days. However, I do find the smiley section a little cramped.

I'm not excited when I see the direction phones are going with huge screens. I have an 8x on order after finally being able to hold one. I didn't realize why the 8x didn't feel as huge as other new phones, guess I wasn't aware the aspect ratio was different. For me the longer screen is a great compromise. I'd probably still rather have a 4" screen but am very happy with the 8x! Would be really awesome if they could trim some of the height off the top/bottom bezel, get rid of the Beats audio if you have to. Never-the-less, personally I much prefer the narrowness of the 8x. Great upgrade from the Trophy!

I'm not excited when I see the direction phones are going with huge screens. I have an 8x on order after finally being able to hold one. I didn't realize why the 8x didn't feel as huge as other new phones, guess I wasn't aware the aspect ratio was different. For me the longer screen is a great compromise. I'd probably still rather have a 4" screen but am very happy with the 8x! Would be really awesome if they could trim some of the height off the top/bottom bezel, get rid of the Beats audio if you have to. Never-the-less, personally I much prefer the narrowness of the 8x. Great upgrade from the Trophy!

It really does have a nice feel and look to it. I picked up the 8X and 920 yesterday and without a doubt I loved the feel and look of the 8X better.

I came from an HD7 as well but i found on that i couldnt comfortably type one handed using just my thumb. Typing on the 8x that isnt a problem anymore. What i have found is that when im using my fingers to type im slightly missing the keys. Have had the phone 2 weeks now and have adjusted to the slight difference in size. Am also loving the intelligent texting as well - now ive sent off hundreds of texts the options that pop up for the next word are incredibly useful and im hardly typing at all anymore.